Still Confused About Tripling Water Rates in Davis?

Many are confused, worried and even angry about the in Davis. Rates are scheduled to triple, from $69.50 to $192.75 by 2016. Other utilities costs will rise as well under Proposition 216.

The City is taking steps to educate the public about the hike and will be holding several outreach meetings this month.

The city council spent a good chunk of time discussing ways to simplify the protest process at their last meeting amid accusations in the community and from local media outlets that the process had not been satisfactorily transparent.

They unanimously approved a postcard-style mailing that will go out in a few weeks. In the most simple terms possible, it will inform residents of their right to protest. It will have a checkbox for those who wish to do so.

More than half of all residences must check the box for the protest to succeed.

In addition to the simplified protest process, the city of Davis is hosting several outreach meetings to answer questions about the proposed hikes. They sent out a press release today:

The increases will help fund a surface water project that would pump water from the Sacramento River and reduce Davis' reliance on groundwater. Davis is partnering with Woodland on the project. Meetings are planned:

• July 14: 7 p.m., Redwood Park Meeting Room, 1001 Anderson Road, Central Davis
• July 21: 7 p.m., Fire Station 33, 425 Mace Boulevard, South Davis
• July 28: 7 p.m., Wildhorse Golf Course Clubhouse, 2323 Rockwell Drive, East Davis